Fledgling farmers market aims to take root in Bunnell

By DANIELLE ANDERSONCorrespondent

Wednesday

Mar 26, 2014 at 12:01 AM

BUNNELL — Michael Malloy has an idea — to bring fresh, local produce to Flagler County residents.Started in November, the Bunnell Farmers Market at Thunder Gulch Campground, off U.S. 1, offers a variety of fresh vegetables, homemade sauces and livestock.“The farmers market is directly related to farming,” Malloy said. “Stuff done by the people who bring it out. Conventional farming is OK, but it will be noted pesticides were used.”Malloy, who grows vegetables using hydroponics, said his produce is not certified organic but he does use natural methods to control any pest issues.Nevada lettuce, spinach, celery, romaine, garlic chives, green onion, tomatoes, bell peppers and more were available at last weekend's market.“The people who have been out have been happy to see us,” he said. “I participate in three other markets as well and I am trying to introduce this to those outside vendors. I want to promote healthy living and healthy food.” The market also offers livestock such as ducks, quail, chickens and also fresh eggs. Maxine Blanton and Jeffery Ratz, owners of the Rose Red Ranch, came out to participate in last Saturday's market.“We just sold two ducks in a cage,” Maxine Blanton said. “We sold half of the fresh chicken eggs we brought, and all of the duck eggs.”Felicia Martino and Nathan Allen spent time looking at the baby chicks. Carol “Big Momma” Brown, a massage therapist during the week, had her booth of healthy food with samples readily available. Kale chips, seasoned jerk sauce, gluten-free peanut butter, white chocolate chip and chocolate chip cookies, along with apple spice banana bread, which was also sugar and gluten free, was in keeping with promoting healthy foods.“It's a lot of things health-conscious people are into,” she said.Her booth also offered healthy food for pets. Called “Barky Bars,” Brown's dog treats are made from oatmeal, flaxseed, carrots and other healthy ingredients packaged to go.“We want to provide the community with good, wholesome food,” Brown said. “If you buy a tomato, you know Mike (Malloy) picked it yesterday.”As the market grows, Malloy said he hopes vendors will offer additional livestock and even farm equipment.“People who come here will find whatever they need,” he said. “This is their farm source.”The Bunnell Farmers Market is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. the second and fourth Saturday of each month at Thunder Gulch Campground off U.S. 1 in Bunnell.More information is available online at mikeshomegrownfarm.com.

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